WASHINGTON (CNN) –– The White House has declined to comment on a "Deport Justin Bieber and revoke his green card" petition, saying the "We the People" Whitehouse.gov petition system allows the Executive Office to dodge comments "to avoid the appearance of improper influence."

Although the official response did not address the petition's position directly, the White House did drop a few Bieber references, while making its case for the President's immigration plan.